Following the Call. Responding to the Holy Spirit. Serving the People of God.
WELCOME, YOU ARE NOT ALONE
The Alban Institute estimates that burn-out affects over 15% of all clergy. Aministry for ministers in one large denomination receives approximately 1,400 calls per year, with an estimated 100 pastors leaving the ministry per month. Another ministry cites the number of ministers leaving the ministry at 1,600 per month. Still another has a departure rate of 20% a year.
John Dart wrote in The Christian Century, ” THE MOST common reason Protestant pastors leave parish ministry is an experience of stressful conflict, usually arising from differences with laity or staff but sometimes with denominational officials. Compounding these stresses, ex-pastors say, is a lack of support from church officials and follow clergy.“
Research done by sociologists Hoge and Wenger found that “Pastors found it difficult to confide their problems in denominational leaders because they did not want to jeopardize future calls and promotion.. . They felt constrained in seeking support from other clergy because of the enormous competition that exists among them. . . When pastors reach the breaking point, it’s usually over organizational issues and internal disputes at local churches.”
This isolation can be fatal. Over one 4-year period, 7 ministers committed suicide in the Carolinas.
Yet, for all the burdens carried by clergy, the average minister prays only 22 minutes a day.
This blog is a place that ministers to ministers. It will provide resources, suggestions for self-care, ways to mature spiritually, time and people management ideas, finding the balance between the triple pull of call, congregation and family, and a mediator’s insight into conflicted congregational problems. The more interaction between followers of this blog, the larger the support community of those called to shepherd the People of God. Consider this bit of the blog-o-sphere a safe and sacred place for peace, praise, and well-being.
If your call has changed, this blog will also provide resources for discerning that new call, evaluating options and transitioning.
The great blessing of ministry is seldom acknowledged and rarely celebrated by those in the congregation.
Thank you all for heeding the call of the Spirit, the time spent in studying the Word, and the care and concern for those in need of your special gifts.
The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord’s face shine upon you
and be gracious unto you;
the Lord’s face turn toward you
and give you peace.
(based on Numbers 6:24–26,)
